Alexandra sparkled like a diamond.An errant curl flipped over her shoulder as she laughed up at Sutton. Thesight made Donata unbearably happy.
They are right for each other. Her grandson’s gaze never left theface of his wife, even though at least a dozen women swooned over him tonight,especially that dreadful Caroline Fellowes. He paid them all noheed. Sutton’s arms were tight around Alex, holding her tohim. Thetonconsidered it rude for a husband to dance so manytimes with his wife, but Donata noted with satisfaction that Sutton seemedloathe to let another man touch Alexandra. When Alex did dance withanother man, Sutton stood grimly on the sidelines.He is in love with her.Donata felt a deep gratitude for whatever fates had led Alexandra toSutton.
“Your punch, my lady.” Lord Wassertried to make a polite bow, wincing in the process. He put a hand to hisback, shooting Donata a look of apology.
Donata laughed. “Come you old fool,sit next to me. We are far beyond all that polite nonsense.”
Lord Wasser sat and took a sip of his ownpunch. He touched her hand.
She pretended outrage, swatting him withher fan. Donata was vastly enjoying this evening.
White wheat hair, done up in acomplicated coiffure, bobbed through the crowd. The hair, piled high atopa swanlike neck, glittered with diamonds and rubies.
Donata wondered where Jeanette had gottenthe jewels. The Cambourne diamonds now belonged to Alexandra.
The regal profile turned and spottedDonata.
A slow, malicious smile spread acrossJeanette’s perfect features as she made directly for the chairs where Donataand Lord Wasser perched.
A short man, his formal attire illfitting and disheveled, followed in Jeanette’s wake. He huffed and puffedto keep up with her and not spill the two glasses of wine he carried.CousinHerbert Reynolds. Donata suddenly felt ill. Her eyes searchedfor Sutton.
“Lady Reynolds!” Jeanette’s eyes, aglacial blue, pinned Donata to her seat. “What a delight to seeyou. Let’s catch up shall we?”
Donata tensed. Jeanette seemedhappy.Much too happy.
Lord Wasser, sensing the coldness betweenthe two women, bade a hasty excuse to Donata and fled.
Now Donata realized why she’d told LordWasser to stop calling on her fifty years ago. He was a coward.
“The delight is all mine,” Donata said withfalse politeness as she faced the evil that was her daughter-in-law.
*******
Jeanette made an effort to seem sincereas she settled herself next to Donata. Not for Donata, she could careless what that old battle-axe thought of her, but for Herbert. Herbertwasn’t incredibly smart, but he was infused with the gift of perception thatsome country folk seemed to possess. It would not do for him to realizeJeanette’s true intent. Dull, slow, and prodding, Herbert reminded Jeanette ofan ancient tortoise. Herbert worshipped her and thrilled at the slightestbit of attention. He would make an excellent, manageable husband. Jeanettewould be the Marchioness of Cambourne again. Archie promised.
Donata spared a brief glance at Jeanette,focusing her attention on Herbert. “How lovely to see you, Herbert. Youso rarely come to London. What brings you to town?”
Damn the old witch. She would havethe women sent out to pasture just as soon as Jeanette attained her rightfulposition.
“I have been lured by a fairflower.” He stammered, looking with adoration at Jeanette.
Herbert’s voice irritated Jeanette.High and raspy, he always sounded like a whiney child. Jeanette found itannoying and resolved to tell him to limit his conversation once they were married.He could write her notes or something.
She smiled at Herbert, as if he said themost brilliant witticism. Her eyelashes fluttered, pretending to be takenin by his flattery. “Oh Herbert, you shall spoil me with your sentiments.”
Donata coughed and sputtered.
“My lady, are you ill?” Herbertpeered at Donata, his concern evident.
“I wonder that the punch hasn’t gone bad.I shall be fine, I’m sure.” Donata’s gaze flicked to Jeanette.
Jeanette gritted her teeth. Sheimagined the old lady screaming as she was forcibly removed fromCambourne. The thought gave Jeanette genuine happiness.
“Is Lord Reynolds here, my lady?”Herbert asked Donata. “I have something I would like to discuss withhim.”
Good boy, Jeanette thought. She’dtold Herbert earlier that Sutton wouldadorehearing about the newthreshing technique Herbert employed on his estate. Jeanette didn’t havea clue as to what threshing actually entailed, she’d overheard the term fromone of the grooms, but Herbert became very excited. He couldn’t wait todiscuss the topic with Sutton.
She patted her hair and counted thewrinkles on Donata’s face. Jeanette had something to discuss with Suttonas well. Something that could give Donata a fit of apoplexy, and thussave Jeanette the trouble of exiling the old woman. She let her glacialgaze roam,stopping when it landed on her stepson. Sutton made hisway towards them with the little field mouse clutching his arm. He didn’tlook at all pleased to see her. Well she wasn’t fond of him either.She pursed her lips and assumed an expectant pose.
